Event and Land Access Permits

NCC lands include urban parks, parkways, recreational paths, Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt and more. To use NCC land, a permit is often needed. There are two types of permits: event permits and land access permits.

Events permits

An event permit allows you to hold a one-time event on NCC land. Examples of events include

Music festivals

Sporting events

Work or community picnics with tents or other structures

Parades

Fundraisers

Films requiring infrastructure.

An event permit is not needed for picnics without tents and structures. You can, however, reserve a picnic area at Vincent Massey Park.

The cost of a permit varies depending on the following:

Size of the event

Location (park, parkway, etc.)

Duration

Type (public, private, commercial, etc.)

The NCC uses event permits

to safeguard the public park for all users

to protect the land for future users

to ensure that laws and regulations are respected

to ensure that the use and the event are compatible with the site's purpose and nature.

No permit is required to reserve one of the two NCC sites available for wedding ceremonies.

Rockcliffe Pavilion

Early May to Mid-October (weather permitting)

Overlooking the Ottawa River and the picturesque shoreline of Gatineau, the pavilion is an exquisite, open-air gazebo. The Rockcliffe Pavilion is available for wedding ceremonies only - not receptions. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cost

$450 for three hours ($120 per additional hour), plus HST

Capacity

100 people seated or 150 standing

Services and Equipment

Electricity is not available.

No services or equipment are available at the site. You will need to bring your own chairs.

Public washrooms are available

Limited parking is available for free in Rockcliffe Park.

Additional free parking is available nearby, along Lisgar Road.

Requirements

The use of confetti, flower petals, rice, alcohol and signage is prohibited. Please leave the site as you found it.

Wedding Photography

Rockcliffe Park is a popular site for photographs, and is open and free to everyone. Reserving the pavilion does not give you special rights over other visitors who may wish to take photographs in the park.

Reserve Now

To reserve the Rockcliffe Pavillion for your wedding ceremony, contact:

Mackenzie King Estate

With spectacular grounds and gardens, the Mackenzie King Estate offers a perfect natural backdrop for your special day. The Mackenzie King Estate grounds are available for small wedding ceremonies.

Venue

Wedding ceremonies can be held at three predetermined sites around the Mackenzie King Estate. A reservation is required, and your contract must be signed and all fees paid at least 30 days prior to your event.

Cost

$500 (tax included)

Capacity

The Mackenzie King Estate is best suited for small wedding ceremonies. The three predetermined sites have varying capacities, but generally accommodate approximately 40 standing guests.

Services and Equipment

Electricity is not available.

No sound amplification equipment is allowed on the site.

Public washrooms are available during regular hours of operation.

Paid parking is available on-site. Parking passes can be purchased in advance for your guests.

Requirements

The use of confetti, flower petals, rice, alcohol and signage is prohibited. Please leave the site as you found it.

Wedding Photography

The Mackenzie King Estate is a popular location for wedding photos. If you are coming to the Estate simply for photos, the only cost is the Gatineau Park parking fee.

We encourage photography throughout the grounds. Please note that the ruins and stone walls are historic structures to be conserved. For this reason and for your own safety, climbing on the ruins and other structures is strictly prohibited.

Reserve Now

To hold a wedding ceremony at the Mackenzie King Estate, call the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre at 819-827-2020.

Land access permits

The NCC is responsible for the integrity and sustainability of its landholdings. In particular, we must look after the environment, ensure public safety, and deal with liability concerns. By controlling access to NCC properties, permits help us fulfill our responsibilities in terms of the land and the public.

You need a permit whenever you are doing something that requires the use of, or access to, NCC land. It could be anything from scientific research to a construction project. For example:

Review times vary depending on the type of access. The review process begins upon receipt of the completed application form, and may take between five and ten business days. To avoid delays, apply as soon as you know the details of your access requirements.

If your request receives preliminary approval, you will then receive a list of requirements that you need to meet before a permit is granted.

You may have to pay a minimum fee of $300, depending on the exact use and location of your work or activity. Depending on the nature of the activity and the type of organization, you may be required to have proof of insurance or a certified performance bond.

Research in Gatineau Park or the Greenbelt helps in planning the short- and long-term protection of species, habitats and ecosystems. Many permits are issued annually to researchers from universities, museums, government departments and non-governmental organizations. The NCC provides logistical support to some of these projects, and sometimes funds research projects that enhance Gatineau Park or Greenbelt management.